Demon's Souls boosts Japan PS3 sales

PS3 action role-playing game Demon's Souls debuts at two in Japan this week, helping Sony's flagship console go from strength to strength in the region.

Developed by From Software (Armored Core, Enchanted Arms), Demon's Souls adopts a medieval fantasy style and follows an armoured fighter around various dingy dungeons full of baddies whose souls appear to be absorbed on death. Presumably that's got something to do with the name.

The real-time combat is quite similar to Oblivion, with thrusts and blocks and timing playing roles. We're investigating European details now.

The only other new entry in the Japan chart for the week ending 8th February is Detective Conan & Kindachi for DS, according to Media Create data (translated on NeoGAF).

Elsewhere there's little change in the software or hardware running orders. Sales are generally down week-on-week, as the gap between PS3 and Wii slims to roughly 4,000 units.

The PS3 also counts eight top 50 games this week, which is the same as the PSP and only two behind Wii.

Xbox 360 sales are ever so slightly up - around half of the PS3 number - which isn't too bad, considering only Midnight Club: Los Angeles represents the system in the top 50. Slowly but surely Xbox 360 sales are rising across Japan.